Can you file for unemployment two times in Washington ESD?

That's such a relief to hear! I was worried they'd reject it thinking I was scamming somehow. Do you know how much I need to have earned to qualify for the new claim?

You need to have earned at least $1,092 in your base year to qualify for Washington ESD benefits. Since you worked 8 months, you should be fine if you were making decent wages.

Three times? Wow, that makes me feel better about filing twice. Did you have any issues with the process getting more complicated each time?

nah same process every time. just make sure you report all your wages correctly when you file the new claim

Thank you for explaining the terminology! So when I file online, I should select 'new claim' rather than looking for a reopen option?

Exactly right. Go through the new claim process on the Washington ESD website. They'll calculate your benefit amount based on your most recent wages, which might be different from your previous claim.

Oh interesting, I haven't heard of that service before. How exactly does it work? I'm always hesitant about third-party services for government stuff.

I was skeptical too, but it's legit. They basically handle the calling and waiting for you, then connect you when they get an agent on the line. Much better than spending your whole day redialing.

Wait, you have to pay for this? That seems like something Washington ESD should provide for free.

Yeah there's a cost, but honestly it was worth it for me. The alternative was taking time off work to keep calling during business hours.

Oh no, they're asking for additional documentation? I hope I don't run into that issue. What specific documents are they requesting?

They wanted verification of employment, termination reason, and proof of wages. I had to upload like 10 different documents to their system.

That's likely because there was a gap or discrepancy in their records. Sometimes employers don't report terminations properly, which triggers additional verification requirements.

They'll recalculate based on your most recent base year wages. If you earned more at your recent job, your weekly benefit amount might be higher. If you earned less, it could be lower.

I actually made a bit more at the recent job, so that would be good news if my benefits are higher!

You're right, I'm probably overthinking this. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't doing anything wrong.

totally normal to be nervous about it. just be honest on the application and you'll be fine

The base year calculation can be tricky. Washington ESD looks at the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file. If you didn't earn enough in that period, you might need to wait until your more recent wages are included in a future base year.

That's exactly what I'm worried about. I might need to wait a few more months before I can file a valid claim.

This is another situation where calling Washington ESD directly would help clarify your options. That's when I used Claimyr - for complex questions like this where you really need to talk to someone who can look at your specific account.

Good advice! I still have all my paperwork from the recent job, so I should be prepared.

I worked for 8 months, so that should be long enough to qualify for a new claim rather than reopening the old one, right?

Yes, 8 months of work should definitely trigger a new claim calculation. You're in good shape.

I know what you mean! Their website isn't the most user-friendly. I'm dreading having to navigate through it again.

The key is to look for 'File New Claim' on the main page. Don't get distracted by the reopen claim option - that's for different situations.

Good point! I was in manufacturing before and I'm looking more broadly now. Do the job search requirements change based on your field?

The basic requirements are the same - you need to make a certain number of job contacts per week and keep a log. But the types of jobs you're expected to apply for might be broader if you're expanding your search.

That's encouraging to hear! I was worried it might be more complicated the second time around.

Nope, if anything it was easier because I already understood the system. Just make sure all your information is accurate when you file.

Washington eliminated the waiting week requirement a few years ago, so you shouldn't have to wait an extra week regardless of whether this is your first or second claim.

Oh that's great news! I was dreading that waiting period again.

Both job separations? I didn't think about that. I guess it makes sense they'd want the full employment history.

Yeah, they want to make sure you didn't quit without good cause or get fired for misconduct from any job in your base year period.

Thanks for the reassurance! I have nothing to hide, so I'll just be completely honest about everything.

You should be able to use the same SecureAccess Washington (SAW) account that you used for your previous claim. Your login credentials don't change just because you're filing a new claim.

Perfect, that'll save me some hassle. I was worried I'd have to go through the whole account setup process again.

Right? I feel so much better knowing other people have been through this exact situation. Good luck with your claim!

Thanks! And good luck with yours too. Sounds like we're both in good shape to qualify for new claims.

Yeah, I might need to call if I run into any complications. Hopefully the online filing goes smoothly though.

And if you do need to call, remember that Claimyr service I mentioned earlier. It really does make the process of reaching Washington ESD much easier.

You're very welcome! The unemployment system can be confusing, but situations like yours are exactly what it's designed to handle.

good luck with your claim! hopefully you'll be back to work soon and won't need to worry about a third one lol